Tactical imperatives drive LTTE's responses - Balakumaran

[TamilNet, Friday, 02 September 2005, 02:22 GMT]"Liberation Tigers' recent responses to emerging political issues are tactical, reflecting the organization's political maturity and the need to further expose to the international community, Government of Sri Lanka's inability to effectively address the Tamil National question," said Mr. K. V. Balakumaran, a senior LTTE member and former EROS leader, when TamilNet asked for his comment on the recent characterization by the Colombo press of LTTE "climbing down" on previously stated positions on issues.

"The Liberation Tigers, for example, do not see the agreement on principle to hold talks aimed at strengthening the implementation of the MoU as a blemish on its self-respect or dignity. The LTTE leadership will continue to take tactical decisions that will help advance the political gains the movement has made in recent years," he added.

The GoSL and the LTTE have not yet agreed on an acceptable venue to hold talks on the MoU.

"Our leadership is patiently working towards further strengthening the International Community's belief that the Southern polity is not capable of, and the southern political dynamics is only getting worse in, resolving Tamil question equitably in a peaceful manner," Balakumaran said.

"However, the strategic mission of achieving our rights to self-determination within the parameters articulated by our leadership will always remain on target.

"We believe that this approach has paid rich dividends for us thus far. Those who interpret such LTTE's responses as a sign of weakness can do so at their own peril," said Balakumaran.